I haven’t posted here in a couple of weeks, and there’s a good reason for that. Actually, there are several.
First, I was on a killer deadline for my upcoming book, Beltane Curse (now available for pre-order, by the way). The deadline was tight, and as I closed in on the finish line, the work started crowding out everything else.
Then, I had to prep for the Word on the Lake Writers’ Festival, where I’m giving two workshops, sitting on a panel, and doing blue pencil café editing.
Oh, and let’s not forget that the two magazines I edit both had issues due within a week of each other.
In short, life happened. And my writing schedule took the hit.
Now, as I finish up these posts and clear my desk for the conference, I’m faced with a tough decision. I know I’m behind. I also know that to keep my release schedule on track, I might have to drop a “filler” book or two into the production lineup. This, my friends, is what I call a reset — and it’s a completely normal part of indie publishing.
What Is a Reset, and Why Do You Need One?
A reset is when you take a step back, reevaluate your production schedule, and make adjustments. You might swap out a planned title for a shorter project, shift a release date, or reconfigure your entire year to make room for life’s inevitable curveballs.
It’s easy to feel guilty about hitting that reset button. After all, aren’t we supposed to be these hyper-productive writing machines, churning out words on schedule without a hitch?
Spoiler: No.
Authors are human. We get sick. We take on too much. We misjudge how long a book will take to write. We get distracted by shiny new ideas or, you know, conferences that require a ton of prep work.
When you need a reset, the worst thing you can do is beat yourself up over it. Guilt is wasted energy. It doesn’t get the words written, and it doesn’t buy back the time you’ve already spent. So, let it go.
Instead, remind yourself why you set up a production schedule in the first place.
Why Bother With a Production Schedule if You’re Just Going to Reset Anyway?
Good question. Because even if you’re going to hit the reset button every few months, a production schedule is still one of the most powerful tools in your indie publishing arsenal. Here’s why:
- It Keeps You Honest.
You know exactly what you’re supposed to be working on, and when. No lying to yourself about “Oh, I’ll get to that later.” The schedule doesn’t lie. - It Keeps You Working.
Even when you’re behind, the schedule is still there, reminding you of what needs to be done. It keeps you moving forward instead of stagnating. - It Keeps Readers Happy.
Regular releases build momentum, keep readers engaged, and prevent them from forgetting who the heck you are. - It Lets You Plan Marketing and Promotion.
You can’t market effectively without knowing what’s coming next. Resetting gives you the chance to realign your marketing with your new production timeline. (How many times have you been asked in author interviews to tell readers about the books you’ll be writing next?) - It Tells You When Life Is Getting in the Way (Too Much).
If you’re resetting every other month, it might be time to take a hard look at what’s going on. Are you overcommitting? Underestimating how long things take? This is where honest reflection comes in. - It Makes You Write More Than You Think Is Possible.
When you stick to a schedule, even with resets, you’ll write more over the course of a year than you would without one. It’s just math.
Bottom Line: Resets Are Normal
If you’re in the middle of a reset right now, congratulations. You’re human. The key is not to let a reset turn into a complete derailment. Adjust the schedule. Plan the filler projects. Tackle the conference or the magazine issues or whatever else life has thrown your way — and then get back to the writing.
Because that schedule? It’s not the enemy. It’s the safety net.
